Just another kid playing covers on YouTube. Not that there's anything inherently wrong with it, he plays ok. But so what? So do countless thousands of others all doing exactly the same thing. There's nothing to make him stand out as someone who's doing anything unique or special in any way IMHO.

Again nothing wrong with what he's doing, if watching yet one more drummer regurgitate covers on social media is your thing. He plays alright, has some nice little things going on at times and I've seen far worse players out there looking for recognition.

But personally I really don't get the fuss, nor the need to single him out in his own thread. I'm not trying to be a downer, but you did ask. To me, he certainly doesn't stand out anymore than any of the other hit and run posters putting up covers in the Your Playing thread.

I watched a few of the vids....I'm not going to criticize the playing, on the other hand, I'm not going to endorse it. It does not move me one way or the other; not bad, not better than good. Certainly not interesting or inspiring. I would not disrespect him nor would I recommend him.

He's OK. To me, he's one of those drummers that have more flair(?) than substance. But from what I see, he's inspired lots of people to pick up a pair of sticks... and buy a set of EXX Exports or A Zildjians (85% of the people I see picking up the stuff(s) on Twitter say that they got it because of him).

So that's... good, I guess? After all, a musician's job, I believe, is to do to 3 things: Entertain, Educate, Inspire. (And make a buck or two so that you can continue doing those three things).

He ain't no Virgil Donati or Steve Gadd, so I can't say he's a phenomenal player. But since my skills are crappier than his, I can't bash or disrespect the lad, either.

I don't wish to sound cruel, but I don't rate him as a musician. This probably sums it up the best.

He isn't making mature compositional choices, and he's also playing ahead of the beat most of the time. To be quite frank, if I caught myself doing a lot of the things he's doing, I would be retreating to the practice room with my metaphorical tail between my legs. And to have the nerve to think that these are positive contributions to the source material demonstrates a certain bravery, I suppose, but also a lack of self-awareness and musical sensitivity.

The last 2 posts - and most of the previous posts - resonate a lot with me.

What I'd like to know is:
What makes that drummer special? What's his style? How does he differ from others? Oh, he doesn't? Because that's not what he's aiming for. He's a copyist rather than an inventor? Fine. I'm just not interested in keeping track with what he's doing. Maybe in a few years once he even started developing a style of his own.

We all make decisions. Whether being the millionth (although maybe even good) copy of somebody who's out there already (plus the million copies of him/her) or maybe... developing his/her own voice? I know what I'd go for.

(I stumbled across a video of him a while ago but I think the stick ticks rather put me off. Ah, those YouTube show-off drummers... Maybe I'd be one of them if I could do that stuff. But I'm not, and a good deal older than most of them.)

Trying not to be impolite, but my impression of this thread is like: Hey, I'll push you and you push me - deal?

Interesting, in the two clips I viewed, he was dragging at times. He definitely needs to work on locking-in with tracks (if playing-along is how he intends to present himself.)

Sorry to sound like everyone is dogpiling on this guy, but he's just not an "awesome drummer" in my opinion. He plays reasonably well, and might sound better with a live band where a little push and pull is more acceptable and easily masked. Putting himself against the 'clock' of a track isn't working as well as he probably wanted it to.

Seems like a sincere guy though, and he looks a like a cross between Keith Moon and me at an early age!

He's OK. To me, he's one of those drummers that have more flair(?) than substance. But from what I see, he's inspired lots of people to pick up a pair of sticks... and buy a set of EXX Exports or A Zildjians (85% of the people I see picking up the stuff(s) on Twitter say that they got it because of him).

Interesting, in the two clips I viewed, he was dragging at times. He definitely needs to work on locking-in with tracks (if playing-along is how he intends to present himself.)

Sorry to sound like everyone is dogpiling on this guy, but he's just not an "awesome drummer" in my opinion. He plays reasonably well, and might sound better with a live band where a little push and pull is more acceptable and easily masked. Putting himself against the 'clock' of a track isn't working as well as he probably wanted it to.

Seems like a sincere guy though, and he looks a like a cross between Keith Moon and me at an early age!

Bermuda

Maybe he is dragging so much that it seems like he is ahead of the follow-on beat drop LOL

Interesting, in the two clips I viewed, he was dragging at times. He definitely needs to work on locking-in with tracks (if playing-along is how he intends to present himself.)

I was going to say that as well, but, listening to the video I posted while I typed, I decided it was much more on the pushing side. He did drag in a few fills though. It's just not brilliant time.

Quote:

Seems like a sincere guy though

I agree, and I don't want to denigrate or disrespect him for having a go and putting himself out there. He does seem to have set himself up as a Big Deal though, and I think there's a lot of blinding with science going on, the stick tricks, the histrionics of the performance...the focus looks to be on entertainment first, music second, and personally I like an equal measure of both.

However I also know well that sometimes you have to go out there and get stuff wrong in order to truly grow as a performer, it's an unfortunate reality of our times that your early performances are no longer one-off transient experiences quickly lost in the mists of time, but recordings that people can go over and criticize again and again and again (for which I apologize, COOP3RDRUMM3R, if you ever happen to read this!)

Just watched him playing through "No One Knows" which has an AWESOME drum line, in my opinion. His cover of this song summarizes all that has been said so far (mainly about timming).
Dynamics is also a problem imo, listen to Dave Grohl playing this one (he's known for hitting hard, btw).

An interesting idea: "practice twirling sticks with a metronome", as he is one of your idols.

After watching a few videos, he seems like an interesting guy who's just working his way thru college doing what he likes best and thats playing drums and having fun. That was something I wish I could have done back in the day. I use to play covers all the time in my younger days but we just didn't have videos, Youtube, Facebook etc. I say more power to him and I want say rather he's bad or good. All I can say is I' m not interested in some of the covers it's just not my kind of music but over all I think he's pretty good. Btw I'm new to the forum and this is my first post. I love the forum.

As far as I can tell the OP is Casey Cooper, the guy in the video. So it's a thinly veiled thread, trying to trick us. The link on his sig and the vid he is pushing features the same guy. Cmon Casey, we're not THAT dumb.

As far as I can tell the OP is Casey Cooper, the guy in the video. So it's a thinly veiled thread, trying to trick us. The link on his sig and the vid he is pushing features the same guy. Cmon Casey, we're not THAT dumb.

Hmmm, I don't think so, Lar. Mike IS the guy in the "Casey Tribute" video, but if you watch the videos by Casey himself, they don't look the same.

As far as I can tell the OP is Casey Cooper, the guy in the video. So it's a thinly veiled thread, trying to trick us. The link on his sig and the vid he is pushing features the same guy. Cmon Casey, we're not THAT dumb.

If that's the case, then he's shed a hell of a lot of hair.........not to mention been feasting in a good paddock too.

Hmmm, does that mean I can say what I really think of his playing?! :)

Every person that posts performance videos here has one objective....a not so thinly veiled call for attention. In that regard, they should get the attention in the form of objective commentary whether it be good or bad.

So, yes, in my world you should absolutely say what you think about the drumming whether it's good or bad....and if it is bad, then so be it. They came here to show us what they got and if what they got needs work, then it should be pointed out.

Problem is that some folks have a very thinly veiled form of bravado in the written and personally obfuscated form known as an online forum, and, can't handle the objective truth, which then causes hurt feelings and irrational flare ups....then ultimately the messenger is constrained by the mob mentality or "management".

Yes, you gave your thoughts, which were correct in my opinion and you certainly have the playing credentials to say as much as you wish, objectively....and if there is more you should say it, if you want, if nothing more than from a teaching perspective. That is a *positive* exchange if you ask me. ;-)

Every person that posts performance videos here has one objective....a not so thinly veiled call for attention. In that regard, they should get the attention in the form of objective commentary whether it be good or bad.

So, yes, in my world you should absolutely say what you think about the drumming whether it's good or bad....and if it is bad, then so be it. They came here to show us what they got and if what they got needs work, then it should be pointed out.

Problem is that some folks have a very thinly veiled form of bravado in the written and personally obfuscated form known as an online forum, and, can't handle the objective truth, which then causes hurt feelings and irrational flare ups....then ultimately the messenger is constrained by the mob mentality or "management".

Very difficult to sum the guy up. He has endorsements from Zildjian using the super high end stuff just because of his videos. On a personal level, it seems that a lot of people can relate to him (just a kid with no money who wants to make music and has a modicum of talent).

Drumming wise he is perhaps better than me at certain things, but there are things I dislike.

1) His attitude towards certain songs. I cannot remember what video it was, but he said he covers songs where he thinks the beat is bad and wants to improve it. I don't think he understands why beats are 'simple' in some songs. I say simple because while playing 4/4 might be 'easy' if the feel isn't there it can sound completely wrong.

2) He seems to just cover what people want him to rather than spending time improving his playing. Now he's got his endorsements perhaps he needs to work a little more on progressing (unless thats part of his contract then he will be stuck in a rut for a long time).

3) Songs like 'The Pretender' do not need to be improvised, but he jams over the top of them with stuff that just does not make sense. All he has done is bastardise what is a very good drum track by Taylor Hawkins. And people still dig this stuff.

It all amounts to a point scoring exercise. I'm very glad that he got declined for America's Got Talent, his playing is not awe inspiring. Fair play to him for having a go of course...

I only look at drum covers to get a reliable guide for certain tracks I want to learn, like Superstition, I feel good etc. The only purpose Casey serves me, is to remind me that not all popular drummers are superhuman. If one things exposes his playing over anything else, it's his drum solos on his big kit. Too much trickery not enough competence for someone who gives it the beans about how great they are.

I'm envious of his endorsements, he is a lucky son of a gun. That's all that I'm envious of though...

1) His attitude towards certain songs. I cannot remember what video it was, but he said he covers songs where he thinks the beat is bad and wants to improve it. I don't think he understands why beats are 'simple' in some songs. I say simple because while playing 4/4 might be 'easy' if the feel isn't there it can sound completely wrong..

You know, I never picked up on this. But you raise a very valid point......it also ties in somewhat with the point you've made in #3. I think it's a very bold call for anyone to claim to be able to "improve" (so to speak) on something that has already been declared a bona fide "hit"....or at the very least has been deemed commercially acceptable in a wider spectrum. Agree wholeheartedly that it's a claim that is in real danger of displaying a simplistic attitude to what musicality, tastefulness and restraint is all about in the first place. As a valuable DW member once correctly observed, it's akin to saying that painting a defined smile on the Mona Lisa would inherently improve on that mysterious smirk that has been obsessed over for generations. If you've truly got that much to offer.......go write your own song and show us.

Very difficult to sum the guy up. He has endorsements from Zildjian using the super high end stuff just because of his videos. On a personal level, it seems that a lot of people can relate to him (just a kid with no money who wants to make music and has a modicum of talent).

Drumming wise he is perhaps better than me at certain things, but there are things I dislike.

1) His attitude towards certain songs. I cannot remember what video it was, but he said he covers songs where he thinks the beat is bad and wants to improve it. I don't think he understands why beats are 'simple' in some songs. I say simple because while playing 4/4 might be 'easy' if the feel isn't there it can sound completely wrong.

2) He seems to just cover what people want him to rather than spending time improving his playing. Now he's got his endorsements perhaps he needs to work a little more on progressing (unless thats part of his contract then he will be stuck in a rut for a long time).

3) Songs like 'The Pretender' do not need to be improvised, but he jams over the top of them with stuff that just does not make sense. All he has done is bastardise what is a very good drum track by Taylor Hawkins. And people still dig this stuff.

It all amounts to a point scoring exercise. I'm very glad that he got declined for America's Got Talent, his playing is not awe inspiring. Fair play to him for having a go of course...

I only look at drum covers to get a reliable guide for certain tracks I want to learn, like Superstition, I feel good etc. The only purpose Casey serves me, is to remind me that not all popular drummers are superhuman. If one things exposes his playing over anything else, it's his drum solos on his big kit. Too much trickery not enough competence for someone who gives it the beans about how great they are.

I'm envious of his endorsements, he is a lucky son of a gun. That's all that I'm envious of though...

Yeah I'm defending the guy and I don't mean to bash you
1) Link the video and I'll believe you. I've watched a ton of his videos and I can't recall him saying that.
2) I don't agree. He gets a ton of requests every day so obviously he will cover a song that someone have requested. He also covers a lot of new songs and as fast a new song hits the top 25 someone will request it.
3) Weak argument from my side here: It is his videos and his covers. Correct me if I'm wrong but you can find him just grooving behind a band live.

He might not be the worlds greatest but he is a good inspiration. He teaches the importance to practice to a metronome and he shows that it's all about having fun behind the kit.